Why Recycle Electronics with Eco-Cycle

Televisions, computers and most other electronics can contain a host of toxic substances such as lead, cadmium, mercury and arsenic. These toxic substances could contaminate groundwater when landfilled.

Why recycle electronics with Eco-Cycle?

Eco-Cycle requires that our electronics partner be a Certified e-Stewards Recycler to process and recycle all electronic equipment. e-Stewards is the world's most rigorous environmental and social justice criteria for recycling e-scrap. This means we will not work with processors who export hazardous electronic scrap to developing countries. Your electronic scrap (e-scrap) will be safely processed within developed countries and will also be kept out of landfills, incinerators and prison recycling operations.

Why is there a fee?

There is a fee for recycling most electronic items, the exceptions being desktop CPUs, laptops, and mobile phones. Electronics processors must first disassemble all items before they can recycle them, a labor-intensive process that often requires handling toxic substances. The funds are also used to offset the cost of collection, storage and marketing of the materials.

Will the public always have to pay for recycling materials like this?

Not if we can help it. In other countries, manufacturers (including U.S. multinationals) are required to pay for recycling their toxic product rather than putting that burden on customers, government or non-profits.

Eco-Cycle is part of a coalition working to create similar "take-back" programs in the U.S. If U.S. companies participate in Take-Back programs abroad, why not here? Until businesses begin to design products for recycling and disassembly and offer free "take-back" programs, recyclers like you, local governments like the City of Boulder, and nonprofits like Eco-Cycle will continue to bear the cost of doing the right thing.

Watch the Story of Electronics to learn more about how electronics manufacturers need to take greater responsibility for the recovery and greener design of their products.